A former Jaguars player, Knighton left in free agency without much resistance after a slow start to training camp. He has started all 18 Denver games and totaled 38 tackles and four sacks.

SEATTLE CENTER MAX UNGERA fifth-year player from Oregon, he missed three games this year. He is known for his beard (he hasn’t shaved in months) but has been effective with several different Seattle offensive line groups

Key stat: Knighton had a combined two sacks in his last two years with the Jaguars, but had three this year for Denver.

Why it’s important: Seattle’s running game ranked second in carries (509) and fourth in yards per game (136.8). If Knighton can clog the middle, Denver has a better chance to contain Marshawn Lynch.